Emp meets Mayor Swearengin

By Celia Herrera

“Love the early years where you hate what you're doing - it’s a part of life.” – Mayor
Ashley Swearengin

Last Friday, the Laval Entrepreneur Mentor Program (EMP) had the honor of meeting
with Fresno Mayor, Ashley Swearengin. The mayor began her speech by encouraging EMP
students to embrace what the entrepreneurial journey brings, "really hard work and
lousy conditions." Mayor Swearengin told us not to walk away from things we don’t
like, but to face them and learn from what they have to offer.

The mayor shared her experiences as a young adult, including those which allowed her
to find her passion and become an executive decision-maker. The struggles she faced,
Mayor Swearengin said, are what helped her establish herself in her early years. One
of the lessons the mayor shared was to work hard and not be afraid of what is to come,
as that will allow us to learn about ourselves. In short, “love the early years where
you hate what you're doing - it’s a part of life," the mayor said.

Dr. Stearns asked Mayor Swearengin what’s needed in Downtown Fresno. This is a question
we, as aspiring entrepreneurs, must answer. It is our duty as entrepreneurs to find
the need and solve it for our community. We have been extremely privileged to be part
of a program which exposes us to the heart of the community and allows us to learn
from the kind of individuals who inspire us to become better people and entrepreneurs
for our city.

EMP would like to thank Mayor Swearengin for dedicating her time and sharing valuable
insights with the students.

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